L.A. PARKER: St. Patty's Day Parade a big part of city's fighting spirit

From left, Trenton Irish Heritage Association (TIHA) member Dick McKeever, TIHA Chairman Dennis M. Keenan and Mercer County Executive Brian M. Hughes paint the traditional green line along Hamilton Avenue in front of Columbus Park on Friday in preparation for the 29th annual Trenton St. Patrickís Day Parade on Saturday, March 15. Opening ceremonies Saturday will begin at 12:30 p.m. on the steps of St. Anthonyís Church on South Olden Avenue. The parade, sponsored by the TIHA, will begin at 1 p.m., traveling north toward Hamilton Avenue, turning left onto Hamilton Avenue and continuing to Columbus Park.

People who think they know a lot about Trenton always count out this city.

A couple of recent Backtalk posts, made from out of towners who love to witness Trenton struggle because our issues somehow magnify their good fortune, said this city does not stand a chance with a six-candidate field.

A certain fascination exists with the fact that people still believe the big lie that a government official holds a magic potion to make education the most important object of citizen affection. Or, that a mayor can make me get up and change my life.

While leadership matters, especially with big ticket items like commerce, small business development and public safety, Trenton will either die or find revitalization based on our so-called smaller-sized residents.

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Mind you, this capital city needs an honest, forward-thinking, inclusive-minded leader but the kind of change Trenton needs rests with people like Robert Chilson.

Now, I know city residents have myriad opinions and recollections about Chilson, but my main story about this guy happened in 2010 when St. Patrick’s Day parade organizers fled out to Hamilton after a 25-year history in Trenton.

A lot of hurt feelings were exposed. And, of course, minds were spoken, insults unleashed, and Trenton dealt with another batch of flight.

Chilson started a campaign that included Dennis Keenan and a host of others as residents found support for a St. Patrick’s day parade that celebrated a proud Irish heritage.

Chilson mever spoke such powerful words as “Give me a St. Patrick’s Day Parade or give me death,” but his recaptured comments discussed an initial feeling of despair followed by a need to fight for his heart’s desire.

“When I spoke up and people got behind me, it felt tremendous. I felt great. I’m proud of Trenton residents,” Chilson commented.

Margaret O’Donnell-Briggs, wife of Trenton’s famous William Russell “Billy” Briggs, delivered a point blank assessment of the parade situation back then.

“The Irish never run from anything and we felt it important for the parade to stay here. Trenton is a great Irish town. We’ve been around for a long time here. We’re still here and we want to have a parade in Trenton,” she said.

Trenton can experience a city-wide resurrection if people started showing a minimal amount of Irish grit, Chilson determination, and a belief that we can create a renassiance right here in this 7.2-square mile city.

We fail frequently as a result of expectations of negative results before an initiative starts. Trenton remains saturated with non-believers, doomsdayers, and naysayers.

Attitude remains a game changer if positive thoughts, faith, or beliefs can get out in front of any memories of past failures. Of course, history matters and it’s that connection to former successes that can drive Trenton toward a comeback.

Trenton climbing out of its current doldrum may have a connection to the city’s next leader but individuals hold a major stake in what happens here.

They painted that famous green line down a block section of Hamilton Ave. yesterday and a stretch of paint never created such a feeling of pride, not just for the Irish but in knowing that this remains our parade.

Opening ceremonies start at 12:30 at St. Anthony’s Church before paraders eventually make their way onto Hamilton Ave. Revelers can end their day with a parade party at Trenton’s fantastic Rho Waterfront restaurant.

Certainly, Trenton can ill afford to lose another significant event such as this St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Art All Night, Punk Rock Flea Market, or Trenton African American Pride Festival.

Plus, we build on future victories when an event like the Double Cross Half Marathon keeps making great strides after just two years.

This city must think more about reopening shuttered satellite libraries while giving thought to closing more nuisance bars. Trenton must forge ahead with a shoulder-to-shoulder diversity that includes Latinos, African Americans, and European Americans.

Our future does not depend on a new mayor. Individuals will shape Trenton’s future just as sure as green will serve as the color of the day at the 29th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

— L.A. Parker is a Trentonian columnist. Reach him at laparker@trentonian.com. Twitter @laparker6.